Kazza’s Top 10 Albums of 2012

This sort of list is always a nightmare to do, given my propensity for changing my mind every five minutes and forgetting crucial albums and having to go back and start all over again, but I think I’ve finally cracked it, so here goes…

10. The Darkness– “Hot Cakes”

Difficult third album turns out to be way better than dodgy second album shocker! OK, it’s no Permission to Land, but it marks a definite return to form for a band who some were doubting had it in ’em.

9. The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing– “This May Be The Reason Why The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing Cannot Be Killed By Conventional Weapons”

A pure giggle from start to finish, this is the second album from the Kings of Steampunk. Brunel is a particuar highlight, you’d be hard pushed to find a more entertaining album out there.

8. The Pleasures– “Socks Drags & Rock n Roll”

Germany’s finest pull it out of the bag again wih a fantastically listenable new album. Some lineup changes have taken place since the last album, but they’re all the stronger for it . . . now all we need is some UK gigs please!

7. James Warner Prophecies– “Things Change”

This album really highlights just how much their songwriting has developed since their debut – one of the most versatile bands I’ve heard in a while, this album veers between musical styles throughout and is all the more listenable for it.

6. The Great Malarkey – “Badly Stuffed Animals”

Building on the success of their two single releases, this album really showcases The Great Malarkey’s versatility and shows off the fun element that’s always a key part of their live show.

5. Bermondsey Joyriders– “Noise & Revolution”

Long awaited second album from Gary Lammin’s bunch of Cockney gents – an inspired addition is the fantastic narration from John Sinclair which really pulls it all together.

4. Ginger – ‘555%’

One of the biggest success stories of 2012, Ginger’s Pledgemusic campaign smashed every record and has gone on to inspire many others to go down the crowdfunded route, which can only be fantastic news for music fans and bands alike.

3. Therapy? – “A Brief Crack of Light'”

These guys have a bit of a habit of bringing out dodgy and awesome albums in rotation, and after the fairly inaccessible Crooked Timber, they’re back on fine form with this release, it’s far more listener friendly and boasts some cracking hooks.

2. Wolfsbane-“‘Wolfsbane Save the World'”

The album they never thought would happen – the veeery long awaited new release from the Howling Mad Shitheads right at the start of the year did not disappoint – in fact I’d go so far as to say it’s among some of the best work Wolfsbane have ever produced, which they backed up at the tail end of the year with some truly arse-kicking live shows.

1. Jim Jones Revue – “The Savage Heart'”

These guys are unstoppable, they just get better and better with every new release, and this album does nothing to halt this upward trajectory. Snarly rock n’ roll at it’s very best, If there was any justice in this world they should be HUGE.

. . . and now I’m going to hit send before I change my mind for the 17th time . . .